barbara starr is at the pentagon. dana, what was the final roll call? >> reporter: we don't have it yet. they are finalizing it. we do know because our lisa is in the chamber she's counted 51 votes, simple majority needed for chuck hagel to be confirmed as the next defense secretary. we also know just listening to the votes as they come up he's gotten at least four yes votes from his former republican colleagues. that's not a lot but maybe more than some may have anticipated given the deep partisan divide over his nomination. this may surprise people as well. rand paul one of the most conservative senators he voted yes. cochran said he would. richard shelby of alabama and mike johans as well. this vote is still open. what this does is put this very bruising battle for chuck hagel behind him but obviously as barbara will tell you starts a new chapter of very, very tough go of it at the pentagon. and with regard to the way he has to relate to members of congress especially with these forced spending cuts coming on friday. >> we'll get to that in a moment.